2026-9-28 Weekly Update
Here's what's happening around our church this week.

Wendy McSwain • Communications Director
September 28, 2026

2 Minute Read
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋
This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days.
This Week:
  • Prayer/Worship Night: Thursday, 10/1 | 7-8 PM | Student Center (Elementary Worship Night in Discovery Island | Preschool Activities in Wonder Way)
  • Communion: All three services | Sunday, 10/4
  • Middle School Ministry Fall Festival: Sunday, 10/4 | 4-6 PM | Red Wolf Farm (Maiden, NC)
Prayer Requests:
  • Our Mission: Prayer and Worship Night this Thursday
  • Our Community: Staff of Ashbrook High School in Gastonia – a marching band student died Friday night after a medical emergency
  • Our World: Pray for our global partnerships and continued relationships being built there.
New here? We'd love to connect.

Watch last week’s sermon 👇

Watch Online
Generosity

Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!

Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist


Stay Connected

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💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here.

Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM
15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164
See you soon ☀️

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September 28, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-9-28 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Prayer/Worship Night: Thursday, 10/1 | 7-8 PM | Student Center (Elementary Worship Night in Discovery Island | Preschool Activities in Wonder Way) Communion: All three services | Sunday, 10/4 Middle School Ministry Fall Festival: Sunday, 10/4 | 4-6 PM | Red Wolf Farm (Maiden, NC) Prayer Requests: Our Mission: Prayer and Worship Night this Thursday Our Community: Staff of Ashbrook High School in Gastonia – a marching band student died Friday night after a medical emergency Our World: Pray for our global partnerships and continued relationships being built there.New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

September 21, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-9-21 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: MomCo: Monday, 9/21 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Student Center and Wonder Way (childcare) Church Conference: Sunday, 9/27 | after all three services | voting on open positions and approving budget Wonder Way Family Live: Sunday, 9/27 | 5 PM | Student Center Prayer Requests: Our Mission: MomCo starts up this week - we have several new families signed up this year, many who don’t attend RLC! Pray for the leadership team, table leaders, and mentor moms as we embark on this new year of MomCo. Our World: Pray for our global partnerships and continued relationships being built there. Upcoming Events Prayer and Worship Night: Thursday, October 1New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

September 14, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-9-14 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Life Group Kickoff: Some groups started up last week, and some are starting this week. Prison Ministry: Thursday, 9/17 | 6:30 PM | Lincolnton Hesed House: Sunday, 9/20 | 6 PM | Lincolnton Budget Q&A: Sunday, 9/20 | 5 PM | Student Center MomCo Meeting: First meeting of the year | Monday, 9/21 | 6:30 PM | Student Center Budget and Leadership Packets available: Sunday, 9/20 and 9/27 Prayer Requests: Our Mission: Life groups as they kick off for the semester! Several new groups and lots of new faces who are taking their next step of faith by joining a life group! Our Community: MomCo starts up next week, and we have several new families signed up this year, many who don’t attend RLC! Pray for the leadership team, table leaders, and mentor moms as we embark on this new year of MomCo. Our World: Pray for our global partnerships and continued relationships being built there. Upcoming Events Church Conference (member voting on Budget and Leadership): Sunday, September 27 Prayer and Worship Night: Thursday, October 1New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

September 8, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-9-8 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Labor Day: Monday, 9/7 | church offices CLOSED Life Group Signups: Sunday, 9/13 | It’s not too late to sign up! Budget and Leadership Packets available: Sunday, 9/13 Prayer Requests: Our Mission: Small groups starting and continuing this week! Our World: Overseas partnerships & victims of flooding at Nepal/China border Upcoming Events Q&A Night for Budget and Leadership Recommendations: Sunday, September 20 Church Conference (member voting on Budget and Leadership): Sunday, September 27 Prayer and Worship Night: Thursday, October 1New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

August 31, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-8-31 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Family Ministry Team Check-In: Tuesday, 9/1 | Discovery Island after staff meeting Men’s Alliance Class: Friday, September 4th | 6:30-8:00 PM | location TBD (meeting in the Student Center previously) Small Group Promo: Sunday, 9/6 Labor Day: Monday, 9/7 | church offices CLOSED Prayer Requests: Our Mission: small-group promotion and sign-ups – 50+ people attended the small-group leader training last night!! Our World: Overseas partnerships & victims of flooding at Nepal/China border Upcoming Events Church Conference (member voting on Budget and Leadership): Sunday, September 27New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

August 17, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-8-17 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Baptisms: Sunday, 8/30 Small Group Promo: this Sunday and next (8/30 & 9/6) Small Group Leader Training: Sunday, 8/30 | 6 PM | Student Center Prayer Requests: Our Mission: Small Group promotion and signups over the next few weeks. Email Leslie to be added to our prayer team. Our Community: Families, teachers, and school staff as schools get into full swing. World: Overseas partnerships. Upcoming Events Baptism Sunday:Sunday, August 30 Small Group Leader Training: Sunday, August 30 Church Conference (member voting on Budget and Leadership): Sunday, September 27New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

July 21, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-8-10 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Demolition begins this week! Hesed House: Sunday, 8/16 - Teams will provide meal for residents. Life Groups: Meet throughout the week on campus and in homes. Prayer Requests: Our Mission: Pray for favor and a smooth process as we move forward with renovation timelines. Email Leslie to be added to our prayer team. Our Community: Teachers, students, and families as many transition back to school. World: Pray for our Honduras team and the precious people they ministered with and to over the last week. Upcoming Events 8:30 am Children’s Ministries: Began Sunday, August 2nd for babies-5th grade. Starting Point: Sunday, August 23 at 6 pm. Baptism Sunday:Sunday, August 30 Small Group Leader Training: Sunday, August 30New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

July 20, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-7-20 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Young Adult Summer Nights: Tuesday, 7/21 at 6 PM! 18-24 year olds, come an hour early this week for BBQ! Meet you in the student center. Discovery Island Volunteer Training: Friday, 7/24 (6-9 PM) and Saturday, 7/25 (12-3 PM) in Discovery Island Life Groups: Meet throughout the week on campus and in homes. Prayer Requests: Our Mission: Pray for favor and a smooth process as we move forward with renovation timelines. Email Leslie to be added to our prayer team. Our Community: Families traveling for summer and many who are sick. World: Pray for our Honduras team as preparations are underway to travel on July 31. Upcoming Events 8:30 am Children’s Ministries - Begin Sunday, August 2nd for Babies - 4th grade. We still need your help to make sure our kids ministries are covered as we extend to all three services.New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

July 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-7-13 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Route 56 Camp: Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 19 Photo Team Meeting: Tuesday, July 14 at 6:30 pm in the worship center lobby. Current team members or those interested in photo and video at Real Life are welcome. Prison Ministry: Thursday, July 16 at 6 pm Honduras Team Meeting: Sunday, July 19 at 1 pm in Discovery Island Life Groups: Meet throughout the week on campus and in homes. Prayer Requests: Our Mission: Pray for our Route 56 Camp this week – praying for great weather, attitudes, energy levels, and hearts touched by Jesus! Email Leslie to be added to our prayer team. Our Community: Families traveling for summer and many who are sick. World: Pray for our Honduras team as preparations are underway to travel on July 31. Upcoming Events 8:30 am Children’s Ministries - Begin Sunday, August 2nd for Babies - 4th grade. We still need your help to make sure our kids ministries are covered as we extend to all three services. Sunday, July 19, 6:00 pm - Hesed House MealNew here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

July 6, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-7-5 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Monday, July 6: Church office CLOSED for the holiday. Life Groups: Meet throughout the week on campus and in homes. Prayer Requests: Our Mission: Pray for those in our church family who are recovering from surgery or illness. Email Leslie to be added to our prayer team. Our Community: Families are dealing with addiction and need healing in their situations. World: Pray for our Honduras team as preparations are being made and flights are being booked. Pray for the earthquake victims in Venezuela and for the rescue teams and humanitarian aid groups arriving to help. Upcoming Events Route 56 camp: Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17 8:30 am Children’s Ministries - Begin Sunday, August 2nd for Babies - 4th grade. We still need your help to make sure our kids ministries are covered as we extend to all three services. Tuesday, July 14, 6:30 pm - Photo Team Meeting - Current team members or those interested in photo and video at Real Life are welcome.New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

June 29, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-6-29 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Student Ministry Summer Camp: Monday - Friday at Milligan University in Tennessee. 41 teens and 7 adult volunteers attending. Honduras Team Meeting: Thursday, July 2, 7 pm Sunday, July 5: Two worship services only – no 8:30 service! Monday, July 6: Church office CLOSED for the holiday. Prayer Requests: Our Mission: Pray for our Real Life Students who are at camp this week – praying for great weather, attitudes, energy levels, and hearts touched by Jesus! Our Community: Families are dealing with addiction and need healing in their situations. World: Pray for our Honduras team as preparations are being made and flights are being booked. Pray for the earthquake victims in Venezuela and the rescue teams and humanitarian aid groups that are arriving to help. Upcoming Events 4th of July holiday - Church office closed 7/3, Only 10am and 11:30am services on Sunday, 7/5/26New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director

June 22, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
2026-6-22 Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. This Week: Discovery Island Summer Camp: Tuesday - Thursday on campus Summer Nights: Tuesday, June 23, 7 pm, Ages 18-24 every other week in the Student Center Route 56 Parent Meeting: Sunday, June 28th, after 11:30 service in the student center (chapel) Student Camp: June 29th-July 3rd – prayer bracelets will be made available this Sunday for folks to commit to pray for a specific camper or chaperone by name. Prayer Requests: Our Mission: Pray for the upcoming renovation process/steps. Camp season is also upon us with Discovery Island Camp, CentriKid (Route 56 students), & Student Camp. Pray for safety, fun, and lives touched by Jesus! Our Community: Families are dealing with addiction and need healing in their situations. World: Pray for our Honduras team that is being assembled – we currently have seven people signed up and committed to go. Upcoming Events 4th of July holiday - Church office closed 7/3, Only 10am and 11:30am services on Sunday, 7/5/26New here? We'd love to connect. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Generosity Your generosity makes our work in this community possible. We’re so grateful for you. One way you support our community is through the food pantry. We’ve given out over 100 bags this year. You can see our weekly food and household needs here, or click the link below to see our Amazon wishlist!Food Pantry Amazon Wishlist Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM 15434 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Stanley, NC 28164 See you soon ☀️

Wendy McSwain

Communications Director